One pair of earrings I own is a set of silver heart shaped studs.

They are not fancy and were purchased at Walmart.

But when I wore them for the first time on date night, I felt so loved and beautiful. Then I felt remorse.

You see, I have had these earrings for about 4 years. Four years ago my husband and son went to Walmart together. My son picked out a pink heart necklace and the earrings for me.

He insisted I wear the necklace everywhere. I didn’t always want to wear it but he would ask, “Where is your necklace?”

He was so proud of his thoughtful purchase.

He picked it. And each time I wore it I showed him my gratitude.

I never wore the earrings because at the time I had a baby who would grab at my ears.

Then I slowly stopped wearing the necklace and my son didn’t seem to notice. At the time I was relieved by this.

No more pressure to wear it!!

But now it saddens me a bit that he doesn’t remember the necklace.

I realize now that I was trying to impress the wrong people. I was worried how my pink heart necklace looked to strangers, when I should have realized how lovely it looked to my little boy.

So while getting ready for date night, I saw the unworn heart earrings.

I remembered his face when he told me how the earrings and necklace were both “hawts.” (That’s how he pronounced it).

I remembered the love and joy.

I put them on and felt beautiful and loved.

And I reminded myself that I want to impress the right people. The ones who love me.

-Brittany